In transcription, RNA polymerase reads the DNA template strand in which direction?

• A. $3\prime \to 5\prime$
• B. It reads both strands simultaneously in opposite directions.
• C. $5\prime \to 3\prime$
• D. It reads in the same direction as translation proceeds along mRNA.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that during transcription, RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA by reading the DNA template strand.
2. Understand that DNA strands are antiparallel, meaning one strand runs 5' to 3' and the other runs 3' to 5'.
3. Identify that RNA polymerase reads the DNA template strand in the 3' to 5' direction to synthesize RNA in the 5' to 3' direction.
4. Note that the RNA strand produced is complementary and antiparallel to the DNA template strand.
5. Recognize that transcription does not involve reading both strands simultaneously; only the template strand is read in the 3' to 5' direction.